ProRodeo Sports News - March 19, 2021

Ryder Wright repeats as saddle bronc champ BY TRACY RENCK & MATT NABER

Reigning Saddle Bronc Riding World Champion Ryder Wright wonThe American for the second consecutive year, but this time made it a clean sweep, winning all three rounds and taking home $103,000. “This time felt a little bit nicer,” Wright said, adding that he’s building a house near Beaver, Utah. Wright saved his best ride for last, winning the four-man Shoot-Out with a 91.25-point ride on Andrews Rodeo’s All or Nothing. He won the first round with a 90.75-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Tokyo Bubbles, then won the eight-man semifinals with an 88.5-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Zastron Acres. His brothers’ experiences with both broncs were fresh memories for Ryder. Ryder’s older brother Rusty won the first round of Bracket 5 at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo with an 85-point ride on Zastron Acres in February. Ryder split the win in Round 10 of the 2020Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with his younger brother Stetson, who made a 91-point ride on All or Nothing in December. “I just had to keep it simple and treat it like it’s any other rodeo, because it is, you just have to do the same job,” Ryder said. “I know there’s a bigger payout, but you do the same thing every time.” WinningThe American launched Ryder from fifth to first in the PRCA | RAMWorld Standings with $67,828. Having that much money at the end of the 2020 regular season easily would have landed him a qualification to the NFR, but he’s optimistic 2021 will be more like pre-COVID seasons where a minimum of $90,000 was needed to make the Top 15. “Being here makes me feel good, that it’s a step in the right direction to hopefully get back to somewhat normal,” Ryder said. “Everybody doing what they do to put this rodeo on, I don’t think people realize how much we appreciate rodeos like this. They are life-changing, and it’s awesome to be able to win one.”

Jake Link photo

Saddle bronc rider Ryder Wright set in motion his second- consecutive crown at RFD-TV’s The American with a 90.75-point ride on Calgary Stampede’s Tokyo Bubbles in the first round.

Talley captures memorable win

Jacob Talley had never competed inThe American. He’ll never forget his debut. The Louisiana cowboy stopped the clocked in 3.87 seconds in the four-man Shoot-Out to win his debut at The American. “It was pretty amazing to come here and win it on my first trip,” Talley said. “I just ran them like I was at any other rodeo. When you back in the box you just run the steer with the hazer, and you go do your job.” Tyler Pearson was hazing for Talley. Pearson, a qualifier for the event, had a chance at $1 million but finished second with a 4.82-second run. Talley earned $100,000 – $50,000 that counted toward the world standings. He rocketed to first place in the world standings with $57,717. “We’re all a close-knit group,” Talley said. “You have a guy like that who is going to run for $1 million two guys after you, it is pretty amazing for him to (haze) for me. ... It’s crazy to be able to come here at this stadium and run for that amount of money. It is insane.” Talley was riding Baby, the horse he rode at the 2020 Wrangler NFR at Globe Life Field in Arlington. Talley, a three- time NFR qualifier (2016, 2018, 2020), finished seventh in the world standings with $138,329. “It’s a relief to win this kind of money at The American, but it doesn’t change our goal,” he said. “We still want to go win first everywhere and get a good lead on everybody where we can get there (the NFR), do our job and end the year with a gold buckle.”

Jake Link photo Steer wrestler Jacob Talley stopped the clock in 3.87 seconds in the four-man Shoot-Out in his debut at RFD-TV’s The American.

ProRodeo Sports News 3/19/2021

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